A Voice Without Reason, page 8
Only a week ago, I sat down next to her, just like this. What is the likelihood that the most beautiful woman in the world, who’s smart as a whip, would give me the time of day? Without knowing about my wealth? I shake my head in disbelief. Lost in thought, I’m surprised when her hand takes mine.
It’s the perfect fit. She’s the perfect fit.
The flight is several hours and, with it already being a late night, we both close our eyes and let sleep claim us. A few hours later, the flight attendant stirs me. “Sir, we are halfway to our destination. Would you or your”—she glances at Becca—“like anything?”
“We’re fine, thank you,” I reply, looking down at my Becca. She’s cuddled up against my arm and shoulder. Once the flight attendant walks away, I kiss Becca on the forehead, letting my lips linger for just a moment.
Mine.
Another five or so hours later, the plane begins its descent, and I wake her. “Becca,” I whisper, “we’re almost there.”
She groans. “Where are…?”
“St. Tropez,” I finish. Becca sits up straight in alarm. “I thought it would be—” My words are cut off with a kiss. I’m thankful this isn’t a commercial flight as she groans into my mouth, hungry for me. An involuntary growl erupts from my chest, and I resist the urge to strip her down and bury my face between her legs again. “If you keep kissing me like that, I’m going to take you right here, right now.”
She smiles against my lips as she replies, “Is that a promise?”
Fuck, I forgot she’s got fire in her.
“You think that seatbelt sign will stop me, my Becca?” She pulls back, just an inch, and I already miss the taste of her. “Get back here.” I glide my hand into her hair and bring her mouth back where it belongs. She melts into me the moment our lips touch. I’m too busy enjoying kissing her to notice her hands wandering. It isn’t until she grips my belt that I’m tearing her hand away and kissing the inside of her wrist. “Later. I want to finish what I started first.”
Becca fists my shirt and brings me closer, our lips a breath apart. “You brought me to France?”
“Yes.”
“I… I wrote it in one of my books because I’ve never been.” Her voice catches and I want to take her in my arms and never let go. “You…” She kisses me again.
“Are you ready for”—I check my watch—“thirty-twoish hours with me on the beach?”
She shakes her head, biting her lip. “I don’t care about the beach, Julian. This is the most… I’m speechless.” Closing the distance, she kisses me softly. “Thank you.”
15
BECCA
Fuck. I like him. I like him a lot. I meant what I said, I couldn’t care less about the beach or France; Julian could have taken me to a swap meet and I would have been happy just spending time with him. This whole “taking me to the other side of the world” thing is beyond words.
We walk into the resort lobby to check in. The room promises a city view, and while I can’t wait to dip my toes in the sand, I know the view of St. Tropez is going to be spectacular. The beach is a quick walk from here, so I won’t be missing out.
The old elevator takes us up a few floors. By the time we reach the suite, the anticipation is killing me. Julian unlocks the door and, as it swings open, the glass patio door across the room offers me a glimpse of the view. I make a beeline for it.
This is the view I envisioned when I wrote my book. This is what my characters saw in Vacation with the Enemy. I fight back the tears prickling behind my eyes—it’s so fucking beautiful. The buildings are neutral in color but most roofs are a beautiful dark sienna. The sunlight bounces off them, giving a stark contrast to the clear blue water behind them.
“Julian, you have to see—” My words are cut short when two strong arms embrace me from behind. “It’s gorgeous… and don’t you dare say something cheesy to ruin this moment.”
He chuckles and kisses my shoulder. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
I turn in his arms and plant my palms on his chest. “This has to be a dream. Yesterday, I was two drinks away from needing someone to hold my hair back at a book conference. Today, I’m in France with a man I was certain wanted someone else.” He frowns and I explain, “Ingrid.”
Julian barks out a laugh. “You’re serious? Not only is Ingrid one of my friends from years ago, she’s…” He doesn’t finish his sentence, presumably to not out his friend’s sexuality.
“Not into men? Yeah, I figured that out. Her girlfriend was on the panel with me. It just”—I chew on my lip—“it looked like more. I was dealing with the whole ‘Bryan panel’ thing and, when I looked out into the crowd… I’m sorry I assumed.”
“Apology not accepted. I know what it looked like; Ingrid even pointed it out. It’s not your fault, it’s on me. I’m an affectionate person with people I care about,” he sighs. “That includes you. I’m crazy about you, Becca. I gladly uprooted my life to be near someone I knew for less than a day. I’d do it again, if it meant I got to spend more time with you.”
“Why are we in St. Tropez?” I blurt out, ignoring his declaration.
It takes him by surprise but shrugs. “Why not?”
“Did you know this is where one of my books is set?”
“I did.” Julian smirks.
“Who are you?” I ask, mostly to myself.
“For someone who hates answering questions, you sure do love asking them,” he teases.
The flecks of gold in his eyes are burrowing into every inch of my soul. I can’t look away, for fear that he’ll steal a piece of it if I do. I have nothing more to say. All at once, something snaps in both of us, the silence broken when our mouths crash into each other.
I’m overcome with the burning desire to have this man naked. Now. His hands roam my body and it only intensifies my need for him. He cups my ass and slides his hands down to my thighs, pulling them up and around his waist. His lips never leave mine as he walks us into the room and lays me down on the bed.
Our breathing heavy, I ask, “Did you by chance bring condoms?”
Julian’s wide eyes are enough confirmation, but he still replies, “I didn’t bring you here for this, so I didn’t think to bring any.”
“None in your wallet?”
He chuckles and presses his forehead to mine. “No. No cliché wallet condom. I just got out of a serious relationship. I know you think I’m a flirt but I don’t sleep around.”
“That’s not… I don’t think—”
“I know, I’m just being honest.” A sly smirk tugs at his lips as he lowers himself down my body. “I don’t need to be inside you to enjoy every inch of your incredible body. I’ve been craving another taste of you since I stepped foot out of that limo.”
“As amazing as you are with that talented tongue of yours, you can’t just keep going down on me. I’ll become spoiled and you’ll need to service me on the daily.”
Julian slips off my leggings and panties. Unlike in the limo, he takes his time, torturing me. “If I spent the rest of my life with my face between your legs, I’d die a happy man. I’ll admit, I love the idea of you wanting me as much as I want you.” He nips at my thigh, making me yelp. “You craving my touch.” His hands glide up my legs until they reach my inner thigh and he spreads me wide. I gasp. “Wishing I was tasting every inch of you.” He trails kisses up to my hip. Close, but not where I desperately need him. He swipes his knuckle over my clit, forcing a moan from me. “Wanting me inside you, not feeling whole unless I’ve painted the walls of your delicious cunt with my own release.”
“Julian,” I whimper.
“Yes, my Becca?” He smiles as he kisses an inch above my pussy.
“Please.”
“Please, what, baby?” He continues kissing me everywhere… except where I want him. It’s deliciously frustrating.
“Please touch me.”
Julian chuckles. “Where do you want me to touch you?” I groan. “What? You’re the writer. Tell me. Where do you want me to start?” He moves up between my legs, kissing up my stomach. I lift my shirt and he tugs it off me, tossing it to the ground. He unhooks my bra and slowly pulls down the straps, kissing every inch of my shoulders as he removes it. “Fuck. You’re so damn beautiful, my Becca.”
“You’re wearing too many clothes.”
“It appears I am.” Julian looks down at his shirt and back to me. “Don’t change the subject. Where do you want me to touch you?” His dimples on full display; he’s enjoying his little game far too much. I can’t help but indulge him as he continues his quest to tease me. “Should I start here?” He traces his finger from my ear, down my neck, to my collar bone. “Or perhaps here?”
His featherlight touch continues down my chest, swiping his thumb across one of my incredibly taut nipples. He takes the other in his mouth for just a moment—a quick nip. My breathing is shaky and I shudder beneath him.
He hums. “As much as I love teasing you, I need to be inside you tonight. You’re going to jump in the shower and I’m going to run to the store and grab the largest fucking box of condoms the world has ever seen.” We both laugh and he kisses down my stomach, still slow and gentle. I close my eyes, savoring his touch. He presses one last kiss to my belly. “Come on. You’ve been traveling all day. Go relax. I’ll be back in a bit.”
I fist his shirt and bring his face within an inch of mine. “Not so fast, mister. You’re not going to rile me up like that and not finish what you started.”
“I absolutely am,” he replies, brushing his nose against mine. “But tell you what, I’ll join you for a quick shower before I head out.”
I release him and he kisses my cheek. I pad off to the bathroom, looking behind me once to find a still very clothed Julian.
As I turn on the water, his arm snakes around my waist, pulling me to him. “Do you know how hard it is to not touch you?” he murmurs against my shoulder as he kisses it softly.
“I don’t know, how hard is it?” I reach behind me and grab his cock through his pants. He groans and bites down gently on my shoulder. A whimper escapes me.
Fuck, he’s thick. This thing is going to break me in half.
I test the water—it’s now the perfect temperature, extra hot, just how I like it. I haven’t even seen him shirtless and the suspense is too much. I shimmy out of his hold, spin around, look him up and down expectantly, then playfully ask, “Do you plan on getting your clothes wet?”
Julian strips down faster than a teenager in a locker room. Holy fucking shit. It’s like every inch of him is chiseled from stone. I know I’m gawking at this Adonis of a man but I can’t help it. I’m so wound up from his touch that I want to climb him like a tree. My gaze travels lower and—
“My eyes are up here, Becca,” he says with a smirk.
“No, they aren’t.” I can’t stop staring. “How on earth do you expect that to fit? I haven’t had sex in… I don’t fucking remember.” My eyes finally meet his. “No fucking way.” I write about book boyfriends with giant cocks, but his non-fictional man puts them all to shame.
He guides me into the shower and closes the distance, sliding his hand into my hair. I anticipate his kiss but it never comes. “While I appreciate the praise, I know you can take it.” My breath catches.
Julian kisses me, teasing my mouth to open for him. It’s slow at first but his sweet and sensual movements are quickly replaced by a beastly desire. He drives two of his fingers inside me with little warning, making me scream out. I don’t have time to process the fullness when he moves down my body, kneeling before me. He grabs my leg and slings it over his shoulder and, in an instant, his mouth is on my clit, his tongue swirling in tight circles. There isn’t an ounce of tenderness in his touch. It’s rough and demanding. I’m being devoured.
“Eyes on me, Becca,” he growls into my pussy. I don’t dare look, it’s already too much. “I want you to watch as you take four of my fingers like my good girl. I need to stretch you out, baby, but don’t worry, I’ll work you up to it.”
My eyes snap down to him. “Four?” I shriek. “Are you out of your mind?”
He chuckles against me as he sucks hard on my clit. I’m already moments from coming but he slows his pace, my orgasm no longer in reach. “Doubt me again and I won’t let you come.” He slips another finger inside and I wince. “Fuck, baby, you feel so good. You’re going to feel amazing stretched around my cock.”
My clit is swollen and I’m aching to come. “Please,” I beg.
“Please, what, baby?”
“Please let me come.” My words come out strangled. He adds a fourth finger and I’m entirely too full.
“I knew you were made for this, so fucking perfect.” He sucks on my clit as he massages the walls of my pussy. My orgasm builds but I need more pressure. I grind against his mouth, pulling him closer. “So greedy. I fucking love it.” I fall apart at his words and come harder than I have in my life. Julian holds me in place as he slowly pulls his fingers out, leaving me feeling empty. If he let go, I’d crumple to a heap in the shower.
“I told you. You can’t keep going down on me,” I say breathlessly.
He stands and kisses me roughly. I taste myself as his tongue sweeps across mine, making me want him to push deep inside me. I have an IUD and I’m clean… it would be so easy.
“I’ll taste you whenever I please, my Becca.”
Fuck, that’s hot. Who the fuck is this guy, waltzing in here like he owns my pussy?
“I haven’t even touched you. Every time I want to, your face is between my legs again.” I can barely get the words out.
He chuckles, biting his lip. “There’s all the time in the world for that.”
“What are you talking about? You’ll be gone when you’re done with the audiobook in a few weeks, maybe a month.”
“Not if I can help it.”
I frown. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Let me worry about that.” He brushes wet strands of hair off my shoulder and leans in to kiss me. I stop him with my fingers on his lips.
“Oh, no. You’re not getting out of this one. Are you going to sabotage the project, to prolong your stay?”
“Of course not.” He frowns. “I would never do anything to hurt you or your writing career. If I wanted to stay, I would simply get a place in New York. I’ll admit, part of why I don’t want you touching me is that it’ll be one step closer to being inside you. Once I’ve had you, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to go back to California.”
16
JULIAN
“We’ve only known each other a week, Julian. How can you consider moving?”
I grab a washcloth and lather soap on it before slowly dragging it down every inch of her body. I don’t reply to her question but she also doesn’t protest or push further, instead just letting me wash her. I have this unexplainable carnal need to take care of her, to worship all of her, this beautiful stranger of mine.
Is this some soulmate shit? It feels like something out of a movie or a book. Fuck, I only know her real last name because of the contract. Am I actually considering moving for her?
Yes. Yes, I fucking am.
Becca’s hand cups my cheek, pulling me from whatever the fuck that was. Moving isn’t out of the question, but it shouldn’t be on the table either.
“Hey,” she says softly. I cover her hand, pulling it to my lips and kissing her palm, never taking my eyes off hers. “Don’t do something impulsive. Whatever this is, it’s intense, but you can’t consider moving across the country for a woman you don’t know. Plus, you never know, I could be the worst lay of your life and then you’d be stuck with me.” She fails to keep a straight face and it’s the most endearing thing I’ve witnessed in my life.
“I’d see for myself right now, but I need to run to the store first.” As much as I want to drive into her bare, I’ve been burned before by women who lied about being on the pill or other birth control in an attempt to get knocked up and walk away with a decent check. I don’t think Becca’s like that, but as she said, it’s only been a week. I’m pretty sure I felt an IUD while I fingered her but I was more focused on her pleasure than checking for birth control.
She bites her lip. “You don’t… you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”
“I can’t. It’s not you, Becca.” I kiss her softly. “I trust you. I’m just—”
“No need to explain. Whatever it is, it’s important to you. We’ll use protection. I’m also fine showing you my online medical chart to prove when I had my IUD done and the last time I was tested. You know, as a back up for when your fucking monster cock tears through the condom.”
Could she be any more fucking perfect?
“You’re really ok with it?” I ask.
“Why the hell wouldn’t I? Do you know how much research I’ve had to do for my books? I’m sure the FBI has had a field day looking through my browser history. Nothing you could say would shock me. Turn me on? Absolutely. If this is a boundary for you, it’s sexy as fuck that you are ok talking about it.”
I shut off the water, kiss her cheek, and storm out of the shower. I need to claim this woman, once and for all.
“Shit. I’m sorry. Was it something I said?” Becca steps out and I wrap her in a towel, not caring that I’m still dripping wet.
“There isn’t a single thing wrong… well, there’s one thing but I’m about to remedy that.” I pull her to me, loving the feel of her slick naked body against mine. “You’re fucking perfect, Becca. I’m about to make good on my promises.”
“Oh, fuck. I’m about to be broken in half, aren’t I?”
“Where’s the fun in that? I can’t play with that pretty unnamed pussy of yours if I break you, can I?” I drag the towel down her body to dry her off, then quickly dry my hair before tossing the towel to the ground.
“Well, now that we’ve confirmed that I won’t be split in half like a log on one of those lumberjack thirst traps, I’ll see you back here in ten.” She faces the mirror, ties her hair up, and uses her fingertips to wipe away her smudged mascara.
